Elinor C. Gooch

COLEBROOK – Elinor “Ellie” C. Gooch, 86, died peacefully at her home early on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, surrounded by her family and after a period of declining health. Born in West Stewartstown on Dec. 3, 1928, she was the daughter of the late George and Leila (Jameson) Currier. Ellie was a 1946 graduate of the Northfield School for Girls and 1950 graduate of UNH. She was married to Robert Gooch, Sr. on Nov. 25, 1950. Ellie and Robert purchased Hill’s Dept. Store in 1965 and operated it until 1990 when they sold the store to their son, George. No one loved living in Colebrook more than Ellie, and she loved her north country friends. She was active in the Colebrook Historical Society and was a former cemetery trustee and library trustee for the town. She and Robert also operated North Country Auction Service with Rick and Ginny Stickney for many years. Ellie liked to go fishing in her younger days, and for many years she was a regular member of the “Hardy Girls,” a renowned group of local ladies who would take to the trails every winter Thursday and enjoyed snowmobiling throughout the region. Ellie leaves behind her two sons, George Gooch and wife Nancy of Colebrook, and Robert Gooch, Jr. and wife Ann Marie of Columbia; five grandchildren, John Gooch and his wife Ester of Highlands, N.C., Sara Gooch of Cape Elizabeth, Me., Bill Gooch of Hooksett, NH, Bobby Gooch of Boston, Mass., and Brian Gooch of New London, Conn.; two great-grandchildren, Francisco and Valentina Gooch; and her sister, Virginia Stickney of West Stewartstown. She is preceded in death her beloved husband of 54 years, Bob, in 2004, and a sister, Priscilla “Nan” Hilfrank. There will be no public calling hours. A graveside service will be held in the spring of which notice will be given. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Gooch may be made to the Monadnock Congregational Church, c/o 24 Parsons St., Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements in NH are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Elinor C. Gooch

December 3, 1928 - December 7, 2014